Canada expands agricultural cooperation with Mongolia

Canada is increasing its agriculture cooperation with Mongolia with the signing of an important Agriculture Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two countries.

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz joined the Ambassador of Mongolia to Canada, His Excellency Tundevdorj Zalaa Uul to sign the MOU which will be key to enhancing bilateral relationships between Canada and Mongolia. The signing was witnessed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Mongolia’s Prime Minister Sükhbaatar Batbold.

"International trade and cooperation is key to making sure Canadian farmers can make their money from the marketplace", said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "Our Government is working hard to build partnerships around the world and this is another example of our progress."

The MOU will offer a sharing platform between the two countries and give Mongolia and Canada a better understanding of each other’s systems, policies and regulations. It will facilitate sharing of best practices as well as strengthen agricultural cooperation and commercial relations between the two countries.

This cooperation will help foster alliances between commercial interests, facilitate exchange of technology, expertise and be a catalyst for future trade. For example, Canada has commercial opportunities in agricultural machinery and livestock production in Mongolia. Canada’s world class genetics will certainly contribute to further the development of Mongolia’s animal industry.

This MOU on agricultural cooperation is being signed following a commitment made in June 2009 by Minister Ritz and his counterpart Mongolia's Minister for Food, Agriculture and Light Industry, the Honourable Tunjin Badamjunaito.